Ailanthus altissima, also known
3891-ailanthus-altissima-tree-of-heaven.jpg
Tree of Heaven
as the Chinese Sumac, the Stinky Sumac, and
ailanthus.

The Tree of Heaven is a deciduous tree that grows rapidly in central China. The older, more mature trees can grow to be 80 ft. or more in height. The tree of Heaven has pale gray bark, with soft stems, and light brown twigs. The leaves of this deciduous tree are compound with small leaflets that alternate on the stems. In the spring, small yellow-green flowers grow on the ends of branches. Tree of Heaven wood is light and creamy with a weak structure. The plant and the flower give off an odious smell similar to peanuts and cashews.